What's Inside
- About Us
- Research
- Clinical Trials
- Cancer Information
- News & Feature Stories
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Quick Links for:
Cancer Information Line
Ask about cancer, clinical trials, and how to make an appointment:
ccinfo@umn.edu
612-624-2620
Toll-free in IA, MN, ND, SD, WI: 1-888-CANCER MN
(1-888-226-2376)
On this page:
- Equipment Features
- Fees
- Training
- Consultation
- Scheduling Your First Visit
- Sample Restrictions
- Instrument Procedures
- Publication Acknowledgement Request
Equipment Features
LSR II
- Benchtop Cytometer
- 405nm, 488nm, 640 nm lasers (12 parameter)
LSR II
FACSCalibur 501
- Benchtop cytometer
- 488 and 635 nm lasers
FACSCalibur 501
FACSCalibur 502
- Benchtop cytometer
- 488 and 635 nm lasers
FACSCalibur 502
FACSCalibur 503
- Benchtop cytometer
- 488 and 635 nm lasers
FACSCalibur 503
Fees
- Benchstop instruments: $28/hour
- Benchtop training: $130
(If you fail to show up for class, you will be charged a no-show fee. Also, if you do not complete the pre-training requirements before class, you will be not be able to take the class and you will be charged the full $130.) - Cancellation one or more days ahead: NO CHARGE. Cancellation within 24 hours — full $130 charge.
- Acquisition services: $73/hour ($45 labor + $28 instrument
- Analysis Services: $51/hour ($45 labor + $6 workstation)
Pre-training
Please fill out the Training Request Form to sign up.
- Complete the User Information Form (PDF)*
- Read "Introduction to Flow Cytometry: A Learning Guide." (PDF)
- Download Flow Core User Handbook (PDF)
- View CD-ROMs (contact Paul Champoux,
612-625-7165, for copies):
- CELLQuest Pro analysis movie
Training Information
- Pre-training and training on the benchtop instrumentation are required before users can operate these instruments independently.
- FACSCalibur and LSR II training classes are held once a month on a Thursday morning. Click here for a list of training dates.
- At the training lecture, trainees receive a CD containing training documentaiton to be reviewed prior to the lab section.
- Class size is limited to twelve (12) students.
Refresher Training
- New customers with prior flow cytometry experience must show proficiency on the benchtop instrumentation by taking the Lab section of the training. This is determined at the discretion of the Coordinator.
- Previously trained customers who feel they need a refresher should take the Lab section class. There is a $65 charge for this class. Please fill out a Training Request Form to request a training session.
Consultation
Consultation regarding your experimental design, instrument operation and setup for acquisition, or data analysis on the benchtop instrumentaion is available. Please sign up for one of the benchtop instruments (see scheduling information below) and request an appointment with Flow Core staff, 612-625-7165.
Scheduling
- Online scheduling instructions (PDF)
- Sign up using the online scheduling form.
- Edit the log when finished with the cytometer, if needed.
- Please cancel ASAP. Users CANNOT CANCEL reserved time on the instrument AFTER the time has passed. You will be billed if you do not cancel in advance.
Your First Visit (some helpful suggestions)
- Review CELLQuest Pro CD-ROM (acquisition & analysis movie).
- Confirm experimental design (controls etc.) with Flow Core staff.
- Request assistance with first run.
- Start with ~10 samples in 0.5-1.0 ml volume (0.5-1.0 x 106 cells).
- Cells should be in suspension with no obvious clumps.
- Samples should be in Falcon tubes #2052/2054/2035.
Sample Restrictions
Cell populations to be analyzed on any Flow Core instrumentation cannot contain radionuclides or infectious agents. Specifically, it is not permissible to bring cells into the Flow Core for analysis that contain radioactive substances (eg, P-32) or are known to be infected with bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Examples would include cells known to be producing infectious virus such as EBV or HIV. This policy is enforced because flow cytometers generate aerosols, which we cannot contain during analysis or sorting.
Instrument Procedures
- Complete the Start-up and Shut-Down Procedures (PDF)
- Shut down the cytometer and computer if you are the last user of the day.
- Supply reservoir should be FULL and waste reservoir should be EMPTY for the next user.
- Leave no more than 1 ml of H2O on sample injection port.
Publication Acknowledgment Request
The Flow Core receives grant support from the National Cancer Institute, which should be acknowledged in any publications. The following statement is suggested: "We would like to acknowledge the assistance of the Flow Cytometry Core Facility of the University of Minnesota Cancer Center, a comprehensive cancer center designated by the National Cancer Institute, supported in part by P30 CA77598."
- We would appreciate a reprint of your publications.
- We appreciate your acknowledgment of the Flow Core services in your publications.